With Jon & Kate divorcing, Annie Barrett and I discuss what the show will look like when it returns, and which parent we want to see more (and less) of. The answer may surprise you. Or maybe not. I guess it depends on how easily surprised you are. Also on this episode of Must List Live!, we break down the craziest show in the history of television—Sex Decoy: Love Stings, and do a deep dive on Johnny Depp’s Public Enemies. Not only that, but EW cover boy Ryan Reynolds stops by. (Rumor has it the dude has nice abs or something.) So watch the video below and let us know which side you’re on: Team Jon, Team Kate, or Team They Never Should Have Forced Their Children Onto a Reality Show To Begin With.
Archive: June 2009 (41-50 of 438)
Jun 29
2009
04:05 AM ET
Jun 28
2009
10:32 PM ET
Jeffrey Donovan Fact: The 'Burn Notice' star can bring a grown man to his knees. For real.
After learning at the end of this past week’s episode of Burn Notice that the next installment of the hit(-in-the-face) USA drama won’t air until July 9, I sighed sadly into my empty yogurt cup. How would I get through two weeks without a serving of Miami mayhem? Then I realized: Oh, right, I’m just going to keep re-reading this previously unpublished anecdote that the affable Jeffrey Donovan — a.k.a. wiseass-badass blacklisted spy Michael Westen — spilled during our interview for EW's Must List issue. Donovan is a black belt in karate who also has studied aikido and Brazilian jujitsu. “If someone grabbed me, I’d probably be able to choke them out in about eight seconds,” he noted.
Turns out, dude can back that fact up. Three years ago he was at a bar with his agent and found himself in a precarious situation while conversing with a female patron. We’ll let him take it from here: “I’m very shy in real life; I can’t really hit on girls. She was getting that, so she was being a little too flirtatious with me. And this guy walks over and he goes, 'That’s my sister!' and got very angry at me. I said, 'I’m not doing anything,' and then he made a move like he was going to hit me and I just — it’s a typical kind of defense, you just grab their larynx and squeeze, and it cuts off all air and they drop to their knees. It didn’t hurt him, it just cut his air off and was a big surprise, and then I walked away. The guy was drunk and he came over and apologized.”
Okay, then, it's settled. If my sister ever hits on Donovan in front of me, I'm looking running the other way. I have a hands-off policy when it comes to my larynx. And this story does make me wonder: Might JD even be able to hang with… Chuck Norris? (I know, it's almost like someone cut off the air to my brain.) In any case, given that the raw power of the Texas Ranger spawned those clever Chuck Norris Facts (sample: There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live), perhaps we could start something similar to build up Donovan. All right, PopWatchers, I gave you a true story about Jeffrey Donovan — now who's got a Jeffrey Donovan "fact" to share? The more creative, the better.
While you're brainstorming, enjoy Donovan's Must List video.
Jun 28
2009
08:11 PM ET
Billy Mays memories: Did the infomercial king pitch his way into your heart?
Just when I thought we had reached our capacity for celebrity death this week (Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon), I was saddened to learn about the passing of another pop culture fixture: Billy Mays, TV pitchman extraordinaire. The man jumped off the screen and right onto my living room couch for several reasons: He had his volume knob cranked up; he wore a blue button-down shirt, emblazoned with the logo of the product he was selling; he boasted an industrial-strength beard; and he introduced his lively game with a simple ‘Hi, Billy Mays here for [insert product]….” The list of amusingly titled products that he peddled was long—OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom, Zorbeez, to name a few—and he did his job well enough to earn a starring role in the Discovery Channel reality series Pitchmen. Not afraid to sell himself silly on occasion (see the tongue-in-cheek ESPN360 spot below), he earned a cult following, as evidenced by sites like this.
So, PopWatchers, have you ever purchased a product pitched by Billy? And which one of his commercials/informercials was your favorite?
Here is Billy selling Mighty Mendit:
Billy kept a low profile in this ESPN360 spot:
More infomercial coverage on EW:
Infomercial king Billy Mays dies at 50
34 ‘I Can’t Look Away!’ Infomercials
The Snuggie: Comfy blanket thing or Garment of Satan?
Snuggie warning: One size does not fit all
Wearable towels: The new Snuggie?
Jun 28
2009
07:30 PM ET
Battle of the 'Merlin's!
Sure, 1998′s Merlin already has the advantage, being that it’s my favorite miniseries of all time, and I have yet to see tonight’s Merlin. But my colleague Adam Markovitz has made a strong case for Morgan in his B+ review of the miniseries, which began last Sunday: “There’s enough sword-clanging action — not to mention homoerotic tension — to keep viewers happily entertained for a spell.”
So let’s weigh their pros and cons. Morgan’s pros: 1) He’s a looker, 2) Re-imagined as a youngster, Merlin is likely more productive in night-time battle, considering his ability to go to bed after 8 pm. Cons: 1) Battling at dawn proves more difficult, without chalices full of Red Bull, and 2) I can’t seem to get behind a character that has strayed so much from its original form (blasphemy!). Now, let’s look at Neil’s Merlin. Pros: 1) He’s awesome, 2) He’s guides Arthur, defeats Mab, and gets the girl all on his own, and 3) He’s awesome. Cons: Well, I’ll let you guys fill in the cons on this one, because I really can’t think of any!
Who wins the battle for supremacy, folks? And will you be watching Merlin tonight?
Jun 28
2009
06:30 PM ET
SMITH magazine asks readers to sum up Jackson's life in six words -- can you do it?
It would be difficult to sum up Michael Jackson's life in 600 words alone, but the editors of SMITH magazine are inviting readers to write epitaphs for the late singer in just six words. The magazine — which has won fans for its six-word memoir compilations – is holding a contest for the three readers who can compose the best "Jackson 6." My personal favorite thus far? Mary Elizabeth Williams' "From ABC to PYT to RIP."
So PopWatchers, we want to know: What will you be submitting to SMITH magazine? What six words do you feel represent Jackson's life? Do you think it's even possible to sum up a life in six words? And what's your favorite tribute to the singer that you've seen so far?
Jun 27
2009
08:10 PM ET
'Thriller' prisoners pay tribute in the coolest way possible
Fans and friends of Michael Jackson have issued tributes both touching and heartbreaking since his death Thursday, but perhaps the coolest tribute comes courtesy of the dedicated, dancing CPDRC prisoners in the Philippines (who also brought us the infamous "Thriller" dance video). The 1500 coordinated viral-video stars gathered together after his death to choreograph new Jackson-inspired numbers, reportedly sweating it out for nine hours in preparation for the tribute to their idol. Here are their interpretations of "Ben," "I'll Be There," and "We Are the World." Enjoy!
More Michael Jackson coverage on EW:
Michael Jackson: 18 Key Moments
Michael Jackson: 9 EW Covers
Michael Jackson: Global Mourning
More viral video from the EW Archives:
Thriller: The Prison Musical
Viral Video Hall of Fame
The 10 Best Viral Videos of 2007
Jun 27
2009
05:08 PM ET
'SYTYCD': Cat Deeley blogs episode 10
We're filming season 5 and holding auditions for season 6 at the same time — sleep deprivation has become the phrase du jour! Last week I flew to New Orleans straight after the show, landed at 8 a.m. and was filming by 10:30 a.m. But the one thing about the So You Think You Can Dance team is we work hard and we play hard! There was fabulous vintage shopping at Miss Claudia's, cocktails and gossip with the divine Sandra Bullock, and delicious beignets and coffee at 3:30 a.m. at Cafe du Monde! Adam Shankman was ring master as the circus moved from jazz bar, to blues club and onto the dance floor! I think it's fair to say a fun night was had by all! We also discovered some hugely talented dancers, which of course was the real reason we were there. There was definitely some Top 20 potential!
This week we're going to be in Phoenix on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. So if you think you can dance, head down and meet the entire team. Nigel is being a hero, as he's just had surgery on his neck, but he's battling through. Which means he's getting a private jet home — I'm definitely going to be hitching a ride!
The performance show on Wednesday was great fun! Standout routines for me were:
Randi and Evan. I loved their cheeky routine. Mia is a complete genius. I dedicate this routine to every woman who has ever said "Does my bum look big in this?" Remember, men are hypnotized by the junk in your trunk!
Phillip and Jeanine. Their tribute to "Singing in the Rain" and the magnificent Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. The feathers flew — in fact they got everywhere. The dancers were still finding them in the most unusual places days later!
Kayla and Kupono. They were our brand new couple, and they were just delicious together. They received the first standing ovation of the season. They make the most fantastic duo and are so cute together both on and off the screen!
All in all it was a great show. Then Thursday rolled around.
We were about to start rehearsing the show when the tragic news started to break about Michael Jackson being admitted to hospital, then falling into a coma, then ultimately passing. The whole studio was in shock, and there was a very palpable sense of loss. Throughout my four seasons on the show I cannot tell you how many times dancers, when asked the question, "What started your love affair with dance?", answer "Michael Jackson." He was an enigmatic individual who inspired and touched the hearts of so many people. One of our dancers, Jason, has been the biggest fan since he was 4. We actually showed footage of him as a 4 year old doing an impression of his hero. Jason found the results show very tough. He was devastated before the show started and found the whole evening tremendously difficult.
We eventually lost Jonathan and Asuka. I don't know if you saw the video clip of Vitolio and Asuka rehearsing, but when she cried uncontrollably in his arms, and he held her face in his hands, they had absolutely no idea they were being filmed. When asked what she would miss most about the show, her reply was "Vitolio." I loved the bond between them. They both have the dancer's mentality of being there for each other 100 percent.
I can't sign off without a mentioning the group number last week. The dancers were ridiculously hot. H.O.T! Dmitry, Tabitha, and Napolean did a fantastic job of bringing a seedy Cuban bordello/nightclub to life. Now all I need to do is find out where I sign up for membership!
More So You Think You Can Dance:
Cat Deeley blogs SYTYCD ep 9
SYTYCD ep 10 recap: Fitting farewells
SYTYCD: Predict who goes home this week!
Cat Deeley on the EW Must List!
Jun 27
2009
02:46 PM ET
'My Sister's Keeper': About that ending...
I'll start this post with the requisite SPOILER ALERT for those of you who haven't seen this weekend's weepy cancer-centric Jodi Picoult adaptation. But for those of you who have, you might understand why faithful devotees of the novel are outraged by the Nick Cassavetes-directed film. Outraged enough that at one point, fans even started a Facebook group called "Save My Sister's Keeper!!"
So what's the big deal? Why, the film adaptation boasts a completely different ending than the book. Though the book ends on a somber note, killing off a character in an unexpected manner, the movie takes on a decidedly more Hollywood-esque ending, keeping said character alive. Even Picoult herself felt iffy about the change: "Having the ending changed would certainly not have been my choice. Iwrote the ending very intentionally because I wanted to leave thereader with a certain message. And changing that ending changes thatmessage. However, I am excited to see the movie and to judge it on itsstrengths."
Now, screenwriter Jeremy Leven wouldn't be the only scriptwriter who has taken liberties with book adaptations. Even Peter Jackson, the writer/director obsessed with staying faithful to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga, condensed and added new material to his film. But it's a bold move to change an entire ending of an adaptation, especially considering that Picoult's novel boasts such a large following.
So if you were Leven, PopWatchers, would you have changed the ending in the film? For those of you who have seen it, were you happy with the bold choice, or would you have preferred the movie to have stayed 100 percent faithful? And what's the most egregious change you've ever seen in an adaptation?
More on My Sister's Keeper:
My Sister's Keeper: Lisa Schwarzbaum's movie review
Nick Cassavetes: 'I changed The Notebook's ending, too'
My Sister's Keeper: EW's review of the novel (2004)
Jun 26
2009
10:52 PM ET
Enter the Fray: 'Jon & Kate,' 'The Bachelor,' and thinking happy thoughts
10. The Real Housewives of New Jersey met up in an undisclosed location for their two-part reunion show. The first half left a lot of ends loose.
9. Unfortunately, the second half didn't bring much closure either since host Andy Cohen dropped the ball with follow-up questioning.
8. In honor of Father's Day, you shared which dad-related movie scenes affected you the most.
7. Kristen Baldwin thinks Bachelorette Jillian is finally starting to separate the men from the boys. (Or perhaps the "idiots" from the "tolerably dimwitted.")
6. Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle performed two concerts at London's Wembley Arena after missing several shows and being hospitalized for exhaustion.
5. The first portraits of Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham-Carter from Tim Burton's 3-D Alice in Wonderland came out on Monday, and they look pretty spectacular.
4. Kate Ward wondered if the CGI/battle scene awesomeness of the trailer for The Last Airbender allows you to forgive director M. Knight Shayamalan for any perceived white-washing in his casting decisions.
3. The Burger King Super Seven Incher will blow your mind, and something else (if you catch their drift).
2. Those parents of eight, Jon and Kate, announced their divorce on Monday. What will happen to their show?
1. Everyone's favorite Bachelorette host, Chris Harrison, shared his thoughts on the greatest quote in the show's history that you've never heard: "She knows I've got a foot fetish, she knows I was born with a big #$%^&."
Jun 26
2009
09:05 PM ET
'Amelia' trailer: Oscar hopeful or blip on the radar?
The real Amelia Earhart was carefully packaged as a doe-eyed sweetheart — not altogether unlike the plucky pilot portrayed by Amy Adams in May's Night at the Museum sequel. The trailer for October's biopic, Amelia, starring Hilary Swank, seems to promise a more serious-minded study of the trailblazing feminist who mysteriously disappeared over the Pacific in 1937. Call it The Aviatrix.
On paper, Swank seems perfect for the role, but actually seeing her in the role gives me pause. Maybe it’s simply because the actress’ beauty is so angular, in contrast to the freckled, soft facial features of the doomed adventurer. (When I close my eyes and think Amelia Earhart, I still picture Diane Keaton, who played Earhart in a 1994 TV movie.) Maybe it’s the unfortunate chain of hackneyed dialogue in the trailer. Or maybe it’s the lack of heat between Swank and her two leading men. Even the action, the plane crash, seems less than riveting.
Am I way off course here, PopWatchers? Did the trailer send you into the stratosphere? Is this film an Oscar hopeful?
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